| Volume 32 Number 8 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Whenever you buy something to be delivered after you pay, be sure to use a credit card. Federal law gives you the right to withhold payment from the credit card company if the goods never arrive. Click here for more.
Tips to Avoid Credit Card Late Fees
Did you know that if you're as much as one minute late paying your credit card bill, you're probably going to be hit with a $25 to $40 fine? Some analysts suggest that the strict fine structure and overwhelming late fees set consumers up for failure. Certainly, multiple late fees and fines can really add up. Find out some important tips to avoid those pesky late fees and fines, while keeping your money in your own pocket. Click here for more.
Beware of Dangerous Toys
Consumer and public interest groups are warning shoppers to pay close attention to toys they buy this holiday season. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, which President George W. Bush signed into law earlier this year to combat the problems with dangerous toys, doesn't take effect until February of 2009. As a result, many toys that may be determined dangerous under the act don't technically have to be off the market until well after the holiday season is over. This holiday season, don't let your guard down. Know which toys to avoid. Click here for more.
Bank of America Cuts 35,000
Bank of America will cut as many as 35,000 jobs in the next three years. To start things off, they dismissed three senior executives in consumer banking, in addition to twenty other high profile executives. According to CEO Kenneth Lewis, this is a transformational deal, in response to the recent changes in the banking industry. Will the shakeup help consumers? Click here for more.
Your Money
Should I wait a year to sell my stock? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Supreme Court holds smokers' consumer suit not preempted by federal law. In a decision that could have wide-ranging impact, the United States Supreme Court held that federal law neither expressly or impliedly preempts a lawsuit filed under the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act by Maine smokers of Marlboro Lights and Cambridge Lights cigarettes. The suit claims the tobacco company deceptively used the labels "light" and "low tar" on the products, knowing that they were just as dangerous as other cigarettes. Click here for more.